Celestina "Ita" Torres Perez

Celestina “Ita” Torres Perez, 83, of Worcester, MA passed away on December 28, 2020 at UMass Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 20, 1937, in Manati, Puerto Rico, to the late Rosa Perez and Candido Torres. Besides her parents, Celestina was predeceased by her eldest sister Maria Luisa “Ali” Torres, her brother Tito Torres as well as her late husband Juan Rodriguez, all of Manati, Puerto Rico.

Celestina worked as a machine operator at Standard Lock Washer & Manufacturing in Worcester, MA, where she retired. Celestina loved traveling to her native island, Puerto Rico, to visit relatives and friends, and enjoyed visiting casinos with her family members. Her favorite pastimes included: cooking authentic Latin dishes, attending family events, listening to music, dancing, playing cards, and enjoying the outdoors. Her greatest joy was spending time with her two surviving sisters, which would often turn into a comedic sitcom. When she was not with her sisters, she diligently talked for hours with them on the phone each day. Celestina was known for her generous and giving spirit to family and others. Anyone who entered her home walked away experiencing her great hospitality and kindness, and witnessing the renowned twinkle in her eyes.

She was primarily responsible for helping many of her family members migrate from Puerto Rico to Worcester, MA for a better quality of life in the 1970s. As a widow with two children, she imparted unto the younger generation that regardless of any barriers, including language, that good work ethics will lead them to succeed in any environment. She taught her family to be thoughtful and giving to those in need with no expectation for anything in return.

The loving and fashionable Celestina is also survived by her daughter, Nancy Rodriguez of Worcester, MA, and her son, Samuel Rodriguez, and his fiancé, Linda Berglund, of Paxton, MA. She is also survived by her adopted daughter/granddaughter, Natasha Rodriguez of Worcester, MA. She leaves her two grandchildren Luis Gonzalez Jr. and his wife, Brittany Zelesky Gonzalez, of Worcester, and Cristian Gonzalez of Worcester, MA; her beloved great-grandchildren, Antonio Valera, Marianna Valera, and Maverick Gonzalez of Worcester, MA; two sisters, Amparo Torres and Rosa Olga Machado, both of Worcester, MA. and many nieces and nephews who will love and miss her dearly, with many considering her a second mother. The family holds solace in knowing that she is reunited with her loved ones and is at peace.

Funeral services for Celestina will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA.  Calling hours will be from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. with a Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at St. John’s Cemetery & Mausoleum ,260 Cambridge St.

 The family of Celestina Torres thanks all family and friends for their love and support.

Following current health regulations, social distancing practices and the use of a face mask will be required during all services. Due to COVID safety concerns, the Funeral Mass will be live-streamed online at https://www.mercadantefuneral.com/page/live-services.com  to accommodate remote attendance.